A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a violent blow to the head. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, blurry vision, confusion or a loss of consciousness. Other types of brain injuries include strokes, aneurysms, tumors and traumatic brain injuries. In Pennsylvania hospitals, there are different types of visual scanning tools that are used to detect brain injuries.
How brain injuries are detected
Relying solely on a patient’s symptoms to diagnose a brain injury is not sufficient. This injury requires the use of complex imagery to detect its existence. Simple X-rays only show bones and joints with no images of tissues, organs or blood vessels. There are more advanced forms of medical scans that are used in medical facilities.
Brain scanning
The two main types of brain scans are CT and MRI scans. A computerized tomography (CT) scan captures images of the brain using X-ray images taken at different angles. The computer reveals detailed, cross-sectional images of the tissues, bones and blood vessels in the brain.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a method of capturing brain images that uses magnetic fields and radio waves. Similar to a CT scan, an MRI scan creates detailed images of your tissues, organs and other body parts. Either the CT or MRI scan can show bleeding, fractures and other symptoms of a personal injury. These computerized images are often used as evidence in court to prove the existence of a brain injury.
Finding and diagnosing brain injuries
The most difficult type of personal injury case involves a severe brain injury. Nearly all brain injuries are impossible to diagnose without the help of advanced brain-scanning imagery. Medical scanning images are needed to help show a judge and jury that a brain injury even occurred in the first place.